Orthopedic Treatments: Joint and Trigger Point Injections
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WATCH THIS QUICK VIDEO TO LEARN HOW JOINT AND TRIGGER POINT INJECTIONS CAN HELP RELIEVE PAIN AND SUPPORT NATURAL JOINT REJUVENATION.
Orthopedic joint injections and trigger point injections with Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) offer significant benefits due to their potent regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties. These injections accelerate the healing of damaged tissues, reduce pain and inflammation, and enhance overall joint function. PRF therapy leverages the body’s natural healing processes by using concentrated growth factors from the patient’s blood, minimizing the risk of adverse reactions. This approach provides long-lasting pain relief, promotes tissue regeneration, and can delay or even prevent the need for more invasive surgical interventions, making it an effective and safe treatment option for musculoskeletal conditions, including but not limited to, arthritis and acute injuries.
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Mechanisms of Action
Growth Factor Release:
Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF): Stimulates cell proliferation and angiogenesis.
Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGF-β): Enhances the synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins and cartilage repair.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF): Promotes the formation of new blood vessels, improving blood supply and nutrient delivery to the joint.
Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF): Aids in cell growth, differentiation, and proliferation.
Fibrin Scaffold:
The fibrin matrix provides a structural scaffold that supports cellular migration and proliferation. It helps in the organization and stabilization of new tissue formation within the joint.
Inflammation Reduction:
PRF contains anti-inflammatory cytokines that help reduce inflammation in the joint, which is crucial for reducing pain and preventing further joint damage.
Stem Cell Recruitment:
PRF can attract stem cells to the site of injury, promoting tissue regeneration and repair.
Enhanced Collagen Production:
The growth factors in PRF stimulate fibroblasts to produce collagen, which is essential for repairing damaged joint tissues, including cartilage, ligaments, and tendons.
Application in Joint Healing
Procedure:
1. Blood Collection: A small amount of the patient's blood is drawn.
2. Centrifugation: The blood is centrifuged to separate the PRF, which contains a high concentration of platelets and growth factors.
3. Injection: The liquid PRF is then injected into the affected joint under sterile conditions, often guided by ultrasound to ensure accurate placement.
Benefits for Joint Healing
Pain Reduction:
The anti-inflammatory properties and regenerative effects of PRF help reduce pain in the joint.
Improved Mobility:
By promoting tissue repair and reducing inflammation, PRF injections can improve joint function and mobility.
Natural and Autologous Treatment:
Since PRF is derived from the patient’s own blood, it reduces the risk of allergic reactions or rejection.
Minimal Side Effects:
PRF therapy is minimally invasive and generally well-tolerated, with few side effects compared to other treatments like corticosteroid injections or surgery.
Conditions Treated with PRF Injections
Osteoarthritis: PRF can help in regenerating cartilage and reducing inflammation in osteoarthritic joints.
Tendon Injuries: Promotes healing in conditions such as tendinitis or tendinosis.
Ligament Injuries: Enhances repair of ligamentous damage.
Meniscal Tears: Supports healing and regeneration of meniscal tissue.
Chondral Defects: Aids in the repair of cartilage defects within the joint.
Clinical Evidence
Several studies have shown positive outcomes in the use of PRF for joint healing. These include improvements in pain scores, joint function, and overall patient satisfaction. While more extensive clinical trials are needed to fully establish standardized protocols and long-term efficacy, the current evidence supports the beneficial role of PRF in joint healing.
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EZ Gel PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) injections, like traditional PRF, leverage the healing properties of platelets and growth factors derived from the patient's own blood. However, EZ Gel PRF undergoes an additional heating process to create a more viscous and stable gel, which can provide prolonged release of growth factors and more effective support for tissue regeneration. Here’s how EZ Gel PRF helps heal joints:
Mechanisms of Action
Sustained Growth Factor Release:
The heating process used to create EZ Gel PRF results in a thicker gel that allows for a slower, more sustained release of growth factors compared to liquid PRF. This prolonged release supports longer-term healing and regeneration.
Key Growth Factors:
Includes Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF), Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGF-β), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), and others that promote cellular proliferation, angiogenesis, and tissue repair.
Enhanced Structural Support:
Viscous Gel Matrix. The thicker consistency of EZ Gel PRF provides better structural support to the damaged joint tissues. This matrix serves as a scaffold that stabilizes the growth factors and supports cellular migration and proliferation.
Fibrin Network:
The fibrin matrix in EZ Gel PRF further helps in organizing and stabilizing new tissue formation within the joint.
Reduction of Inflammation:
Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines: EZ Gel PRF contains anti-inflammatory cytokines that help reduce inflammation, which is crucial for alleviating pain and preventing further joint degradation.
Stem Cell Attraction:
Recruitment of Progenitor Cells: EZ Gel PRF can attract stem cells and other progenitor cells to the site of injury, enhancing the body's natural regenerative processes.
Improved Collagen Production:
Stimulation of Fibroblasts: The growth factors in EZ Gel PRF stimulate fibroblasts to produce collagen, essential for repairing damaged joint tissues, including cartilage, ligaments, and tendons.
Application in Joint Healing
Procedure:
1. Blood Collection: A small amount of the patient's blood is drawn.
2. Centrifugation: The blood is centrifuged to separate the PRF.
3. Heating Process: The PRF undergoes a controlled heating process to create the thicker, more stable EZ Gel.
4. Injection: The EZ Gel PRF is then injected into the affected joint under sterile conditions.
Benefits for Joint Healing
Extended Pain Relief:
The prolonged release of growth factors helps in reducing pain over a longer period compared to traditional PRF.
Enhanced Joint Function:
By promoting more sustained tissue repair and reducing inflammation, EZ Gel PRF can significantly improve joint function and mobility.
Natural and Autologous Treatment:
Like traditional PRF, EZ Gel PRF is derived from the patient’s own blood, reducing the risk of allergic reactions or rejection.
Longer-Lasting Effects:
The thicker consistency and prolonged release mechanism can lead to longer-lasting benefits in terms of pain relief and tissue regeneration.
Conditions Treated with EZ Gel PRF Injections
Osteoarthritis: EZ Gel PRF can help regenerate cartilage and reduce inflammation in osteoarthritic joints.
Tendon Injuries: It supports healing in conditions such as tendinitis or tendinosis.
Ligament Injuries: Enhances the repair of ligamentous damage.
Meniscal Tears: Aids in the healing and regeneration of meniscal tissue.
Chondral Defects: Supports the repair of cartilage defects within the joint.
Clinical Evidence
Emerging studies and clinical experiences suggest that EZ Gel PRF is effective in improving joint healing outcomes. Patients receiving EZ Gel PRF injections report improvements in pain, joint function, and overall quality of life. More extensive clinical trials are necessary to fully establish standardized protocols and long-term efficacy, but current evidence supports its beneficial role in joint healing.
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Both PRF liquid and PRF EZ Gel injections use platelet-rich fibrin derived from the patient's own blood to promote joint healing. However, they differ in preparation, consistency, application, and effectiveness. Here’s a detailed comparison:
Preparation
PRF Liquid Injections:
Blood Collection: Blood is drawn from the patient.
Centrifugation: Blood is spun in a centrifuge to separate the PRF, which forms a liquid-like substance without anticoagulants.
No Heating Process: The PRF remains in its liquid form after centrifugation.
PRF EZ Gel Injections:
Blood Collection: Blood is drawn from the patient.
Centrifugation: Blood is spun in a centrifuge to separate the PRF.
Heating Process: The PRF undergoes a controlled heating process, transforming it into a thicker, gel-like consistency.
Consistency
PRF Liquid Injections:
Form: Liquid-like.
Consistency: Less viscous, forming a fibrin clot when injected.
PRF EZ Gel Injections:
Form: Gel-like.
Consistency: Thicker and more stable, similar to a gel.
Application
PRF Liquid Injections:
Usage: Typically injected directly into the joint or surrounding tissues.
Release Mechanism: Provides an initial burst of growth factors followed by a gradual release as the fibrin clot forms.
PRF EZ Gel Injections:
Usage: Injected into the joint or surrounding tissues, often used for more structural support.
Release Mechanism: Offers a slower, more sustained release of growth factors due to its thicker consistency.
Healing Mechanisms
PRF Liquid Injections:
Growth Factor Release: Immediate release of growth factors like PDGF, TGF-β, and VEGF that promote healing.
Inflammation Reduction: Contains anti-inflammatory cytokines that reduce joint inflammation.
Tissue Regeneration: Supports cellular proliferation, collagen production, and tissue repair.
PRF EZ Gel Injections:
Prolonged Growth Factor Release: The gel-like consistency allows for a sustained release of growth factors over a longer period.
Enhanced Structural Support: The thicker gel provides better scaffolding for tissue regeneration and support within the joint.
Extended Inflammation Reduction: Prolonged anti-inflammatory effects due to the sustained release of cytokines.
Benefits
PRF Liquid Injections:
Rapid Initial Healing: Faster initial release of growth factors for immediate healing response.
Good for Acute Injuries: Suitable for conditions needing quick intervention and healing.
PRF EZ Gel Injections:
Longer-Lasting Effects: Provides prolonged relief and healing due to sustained growth factor release.
Better for Chronic Conditions: More suitable for chronic joint conditions requiring ongoing treatment and support.
Clinical Outcomes
PRF Liquid Injections:
Pain Reduction: Effective in reducing pain and inflammation in the short term.
Improved Function: Enhances joint mobility and function shortly after treatment.
Repeat Treatments: May require more frequent injections for sustained benefits.
PRF EZ Gel Injections:
Extended Pain Relief: Longer-lasting pain relief compared to liquid PRF.
Sustained Improvement: Provides extended improvement in joint function and mobility.
Less Frequent Treatments: Fewer injections needed due to prolonged effects.
Conditions Treated
PRF Liquid Injections:
Osteoarthritis: Helps regenerate cartilage and reduce inflammation.
Tendon Injuries: Supports healing in tendinitis and tendinosis.
Ligament Injuries: Aids in ligament repair.
Meniscal Tears: Promotes meniscal healing.
Chondral Defects: Repairs cartilage defects.
PRF EZ Gel Injections:
Osteoarthritis: Prolonged cartilage regeneration and inflammation reduction.
Tendon Injuries: Enhanced support for tendinitis and tendinosis.
Ligament Injuries: Better structural support for ligament repair.
Meniscal Tears: Longer-lasting healing of meniscal tissue.
Chondral Defects: Sustained repair of cartilage defects.
Summary
PRF Liquid Injections:
Ideal for immediate pain relief and quick healing of acute injuries.
Provides rapid release of growth factors but may require more frequent treatments.
PRF EZ Gel Injections:
Suitable for chronic joint conditions and prolonged healing.
Offers sustained release of growth factors, extended pain relief, and better structural support, resulting in fewer injections needed over time.
Both types of PRF injections are valuable tools in joint healing, with the choice between them depending on the specific needs and conditions of the patient.
Liquid VS Gel PRF FAQ’S
Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) Treatment FAQ’s
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Shoulder Injuries Treated with PRF Injections
Rotator Cuff Tears: PRF injections can promote the healing of partial or full-thickness tears in the rotator cuff tendons, reducing pain and improving shoulder function.
Shoulder Tendonitis: Inflammation of the shoulder tendons, such as biceps tendonitis, can benefit from PRF’s anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects.
Labral Tears: PRF helps in the healing of torn shoulder labrum, which is essential for shoulder stability and range of motion.
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: This condition, caused by the compression of shoulder tendons, can see reduced inflammation and enhanced tissue repair with PRF treatment.
Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Injuries: PRF can assist in the recovery of injuries to the AC joint, reducing pain and promoting healing of the ligaments.
Shoulder Osteoarthritis: Patients with degenerative changes in the shoulder joint can benefit from PRF injections, which help reduce inflammation and stimulate cartilage regeneration.
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): PRF may aid in reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of the capsule around the shoulder joint, improving mobility and decreasing pain.
Benefits of PRF Injections for Shoulder Injuries
Accelerated Healing: PRF releases growth factors that enhance the natural healing process, leading to quicker recovery times.
Reduced Inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties of PRF help to decrease pain and swelling in the affected area.
Enhanced Tissue Regeneration: PRF promotes the regeneration of damaged tendons, ligaments, and cartilage, improving overall shoulder function.
Minimal Side Effects: Since PRF is derived from the patient’s own blood, the risk of allergic reactions or infections is minimal.
Long-Lasting Pain Relief: By addressing the underlying cause of shoulder pain, PRF provides sustained relief compared to traditional treatments.
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Elbow Injuries Treated with PRF
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis):
Treatment: PRF is injected into the tendons around the lateral epicondyle to promote healing and reduce inflammation.
Benefits: Accelerates tendon repair, reduces pain and inflammation, and enhances elbow function.
Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis):
Treatment: PRF injections target the tendons around the medial epicondyle to stimulate tissue regeneration.
Benefits: Decreases pain, reduces inflammation, and improves grip strength and overall elbow function.
Elbow Tendonitis:
Treatment: PRF is injected into the affected tendons to facilitate healing and reduce chronic inflammation.
Benefits: Promotes tendon repair, alleviates pain, and restores normal elbow movement.
Ligament Injuries:
Treatment: PRF injections aid in the healing of partially torn or strained ligaments in the elbow.
Benefits: Enhances ligament strength, reduces recovery time, and improves joint stability.
Treatment of Elbow Arthritis with PRF
Osteoarthritis:
Treatment: PRF is injected into the elbow joint to reduce inflammation and promote cartilage regeneration.
Benefits: Reduces joint pain and stiffness, improves range of motion, and potentially slows the progression of arthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis:
Treatment: While PRF primarily targets inflammation and tissue regeneration, it can also be used as an adjunct therapy to conventional treatments for rheumatoid arthritis.
Benefits: Reduces inflammation and pain, potentially improving joint function and quality of life.
Benefits of PRF Injections for Elbow Injuries and Arthritis
Enhanced Tissue Healing: PRF releases growth factors that stimulate the repair and regeneration of damaged tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.
Reduced Inflammation and Pain:
The anti-inflammatory properties of PRF help to alleviate pain and swelling, providing long-term relief from symptoms.
Improved Joint Function: By promoting tissue healing and reducing inflammation, PRF helps restore normal joint function and mobility.
Minimally Invasive and Safe: As PRF is derived from the patient's own blood, it is a natural and safe treatment option with minimal risk of adverse reactions.
Reduced Dependence on Medications: PRF can decrease the need for pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs, reducing potential side effects and long-term dependence.
Potential Delay of Surgery: By effectively managing pain and promoting tissue repair, PRF may help delay or avoid the need for surgical interventions.
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Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF)
Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) is an innovative regenerative therapy used to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, including Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). CTS is a common condition caused by the compression of the median nerve as it travels through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, leading to pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers. PRF injections offer a promising alternative to conventional treatments by utilizing the body's natural healing properties.
Benefits of PRF for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Enhanced Nerve Healing: PRF contains growth factors that promote the repair and regeneration of damaged nerves, helping to restore normal nerve function.
Reduced Inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties of PRF help to reduce swelling and pressure on the median nerve, alleviating symptoms.
Tissue Regeneration: PRF promotes the healing of damaged tissues within the carpal tunnel, including tendons and ligaments, improving overall wrist function.
Minimal Side Effects: Since PRF is derived from the patient's own blood, there is a minimal risk of adverse reactions or infections.
Long-Lasting Relief: By addressing the underlying causes of CTS, PRF can provide sustained symptom relief and improve hand function over time.
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Hip Injuries and Conditions Treated with PRF
Osteoarthritis:
Treatment: PRF is injected into the hip joint to reduce inflammation, promote cartilage regeneration, and alleviate pain.
Benefits: Improved joint function, reduced pain and stiffness, and potential slowing of disease progression, which may delay or prevent the need for hip replacement surgery.
Labral Tears:
Treatment: PRF injections target the damaged labral tissue in the hip, promoting healing and reducing inflammation.
Benefits: Enhanced tissue repair, reduced pain, and improved hip stability and range of motion.
Hip Bursitis:
Treatment: PRF is injected into the inflamed bursa to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Benefits: Decreased pain and swelling, improved mobility, and faster recovery compared to conventional treatments.
Tendonitis:
Treatment: PRF injections help heal inflamed or damaged tendons around the hip, such as the iliopsoas or gluteal tendons.
Benefits: Accelerated tendon repair, reduced pain, and restoration of normal hip function.
Muscle Strains:
Treatment: PRF can be injected into strained or partially torn hip muscles to promote faster healing.
Benefits: Enhanced muscle regeneration, reduced pain, and quicker return to normal activities.
Benefits of PRF Injections for Hip Injuries and Conditions
Enhanced Tissue Healing: PRF releases growth factors that stimulate the repair and regeneration of damaged tissues, including cartilage, tendons, and muscles.
Reduced Inflammation and Pain:
The anti-inflammatory properties of PRF help to alleviate pain and swelling, providing long-term relief from symptoms.
Improved Joint Function: By promoting tissue healing and reducing inflammation, PRF helps restore normal joint function and mobility.
Minimally Invasive and Safe: As PRF is derived from the patient’s own blood, it is a natural and safe treatment option with minimal risk of adverse reactions.
Reduced Dependence on Medications: PRF can decrease the need for pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs, reducing potential side effects and long-term dependence.
Potential Delay of Surgery: By effectively managing pain and promoting tissue repair, PRF may help delay or avoid the need for surgical interventions.
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Knee Injuries and Conditions Treated with PRF
Osteoarthritis: Treatment: PRF injections help in reducing inflammation, promoting cartilage regeneration, and alleviating pain.
Long-Term Benefits: Improved joint function, reduced pain, and potential slowing of disease progression, reducing the need for surgical interventions like knee replacement.
Meniscal Tears: Treatment: PRF can enhance the healing of meniscal tissues, especially in tears that are not candidates for surgical repair.
Long-Term Benefits: Reduced pain and improved knee stability and function, potentially avoiding the need for meniscectomy.
Ligament Injuries (e.g., ACL, MCL):
Treatment: PRF promotes the repair and regeneration of injured ligaments.
Long-Term Benefits: Enhanced ligament strength and integrity, leading to improved stability and reduced risk of re-injury.
Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper's Knee):
Treatment: PRF injections reduce inflammation and stimulate the healing of the patellar tendon.
Long-Term Benefits: Decreased pain and improved tendon function, enabling a return to physical activities.
Chondromalacia Patella (Runner's Knee): Treatment: PRF aids in the regeneration of damaged cartilage under the kneecap.
Long-Term Benefits: Pain relief and improved patellar tracking, enhancing knee function during activities.
Bursitis: Treatment: PRF reduces inflammation and promotes the healing of the bursa.
Long-Term Benefits: Sustained pain relief and improved knee mobility.
Post-Surgical Healing: PRF can be used to enhance healing after knee surgeries, such as arthroscopy or ligament reconstruction.
Long-Term Benefits: Faster recovery times, reduced post-operative pain, and improved surgical outcomes.
Long-Term Benefits of PRF Injections for Knee Conditions
Enhanced Tissue Regeneration: PRF stimulates the repair and regeneration of damaged tissues, including cartilage, tendons, and ligaments, leading to long-term improvements in knee health.
Sustained Pain Relief: By addressing the root causes of pain, PRF provides lasting relief, reducing the dependency on pain medications and improving quality of life.
Improved Joint Function: Patients experience enhanced mobility and stability in the knee joint, enabling them to return to regular activities and sports with reduced risk of re-injury.
Reduced Inflammation: The anti-inflammatory effects of PRF help to maintain joint health and prevent chronic inflammatory conditions.
Minimized Need for Surgery: With its regenerative capabilities, PRF can reduce the need for invasive surgical procedures by effectively managing knee conditions non-surgically.
Natural and Safe Treatment: As PRF is derived from the patient’s own blood, it minimizes the risk of adverse reactions and is a safe, natural treatment option.
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Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis with Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF)
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes pain in the heel and bottom of the foot due to inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. PRF is increasingly being used as an innovative treatment option for plantar fasciitis due to its regenerative and healing properties.
Benefits of PRF for Plantar Fasciitis
Accelerated Healing: PRF contains growth factors that promote the healing of the plantar fascia. It helps to regenerate damaged tissue more effectively.
Reduced Inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties of PRF help reduce pain and swelling in the affected area.
Minimal Side Effects: Since PRF is derived from the patient's own blood, the risk of adverse reactions is minimal. It is a natural treatment option with no risk of rejection.
Enhanced Pain Relief: By addressing the underlying inflammation and tissue damage, PRF can provide longer-lasting pain relief compared to traditional treatments.
Long-Term Results
Pain Reduction: Patients typically experience a reduction in pain within a few weeks, with continued improvement over the next several months as the tissue heals.
Functional Improvement: Increased ability to perform daily activities and exercise without pain.
Sustained Benefits: The regenerative effects of PRF can provide long-lasting relief, potentially reducing the need for more invasive treatments like surgery.
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Relief of Muscle Trigger Points with Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF)
Muscle trigger points, commonly known as "knots," are hyperirritable spots within a muscle that can cause pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. They are often a result of muscle overuse, injury, or stress. Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) is a regenerative therapy that can be used to treat muscle trigger points effectively by promoting healing and reducing inflammation.
Benefits of PRF for Muscle Trigger Points
Enhanced Tissue Healing: PRF contains growth factors that stimulate the repair and regeneration of muscle fibers, helping to resolve trigger points.
Reduced Inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties of PRF help to decrease swelling and pain in the affected muscle.
Improved Blood Flow: PRF promotes angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), which improves blood flow to the injured muscle, facilitating healing.
Natural and Safe Treatment: Since PRF is derived from the patient's own blood, it is a natural and safe treatment option with minimal risk of adverse reactions or infections.
Long-Lasting Relief: By addressing the underlying muscle damage and inflammation, PRF can provide sustained relief from muscle trigger points.
Liquid PRF Procedure Fees:
Individual Joint Injection (One Side/Joint Only): $500/joint
Bilateral Joint Injections (Both Sides at Same Visit): $400/joint
Joint Injection Package: Three injections for $1200 (Save $300)
**This package may be used in one visit for three separate joints OR it may be used for a series of three injections into one joint during separate visits.
Each of the three injections in the same joint will be administered at intervals of 4-6 weeks apart.
EZ Gel PRF Procedure Fees:
Individual Joint Injection (One Side/Joint Only): $575/joint
Bilateral Joint Injections (Both Sides at Same Visit): $475/joint
Joint Injection Package: Three injections for $1425 (Save $300)
**This package may be used in one visit for three separate joints OR it may be used for a series of three injections into one joint during separate visits.
Each of the three injections in the same joint will be administered at intervals of 4-6 weeks apart.